Para team returns from Algeria with 49 medals
Head of Elite Athletes and Podium Board at the National Sports Commission (NSC), Yusuf Alli, has said that Team Nigeria could still qualify more teams for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Glasgow, Scotland.

Alli spoke just as Team Nigeria’s contingent to the 2026 African Open Para Powerlifting Championships in Oran, Algeria, returned home with 49 medals after delivering another commanding performance on the continent.

The team came second with 32 gold, 12 silver and five bronze medals.

Alli, a three-time Olympian, told The Guardian that Team Nigeria is working to increase the number of athletes for the Games before the June 20 deadline.

“The deadline for the submission of athletes for the Games is June 20, and we are working hard to ensure more athletes book their tickets. Other countries are also working towards the June 20 deadline,” Alli said.

He said that Team Nigeria will begin its training tour on July 1 ahead of the Commonwealth Games, which will hold from July 21 to August 2.

Meanwhile, the NSC has praised the para powerlifting team for their resilience, discipline and patriotism throughout the competition in Algeria, describing the team’s achievement as another proud moment for Nigerian sports.